I write to update you on the proposal put forward by Abbotsleigh and Knox to Ku-ring-gai Council regarding the installation of a synthetic training track at “The Glade” oval.

You may be aware, Abbotsleigh and Knox approached Ku-ring-gai Council just over 18 months ago with an offer to redevelop “The Glade” site in partnership, under Council’s Policy for the Management of Recreation Land and Facilities. This policy allows for non-profit organisations to contribute capital for the provision of sporting facilities. However, in May this year, Ku-ring-gai Council resolved to take the route of requiring the Schools to lodge a Development Application for further assessment by Council. This decision moved the Schools’ proposal out of the realms of a joint partnership project spearheaded by Council to a Schools’ led development proposition. This was never the Schools’ intention and neither Abbotsleigh nor Knox wishes to pursue the matter in this way.

In light of the above, I write to inform you that Abbotsleigh and Knox have met jointly with the Mayor of Ku-ring-gai and advised that the Schools will not be pursuing the DA option. We have indicated that both Schools are prepared to honour our original offer through to the end of 2013. However, as Ku-ring-gai Council’s review process saw the project evolve into something greater than what was ever originally intended, we believe the likelihood of Council resurrecting our initial offer is not strong.